Glossary
Permitted development
Building work you can do without applying for planning permission, within set limits. In England it now names plug-in solar.
Permitted development rights let you carry out some building work without applying for planning permission, as long as you stay within set limits. In England they’re set out in the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO).
Since 27 August 2026, the GPDO names plug-in solar in Part 14 (SI 2026/896). In summary:
- Wall and balcony kits must not stick out more than 0.2 m from a wall facing a road, or 0.4 m elsewhere.
- Not on a listed building, or within the grounds of one for stand-alone kits.
- In a conservation area or World Heritage Site, not on a wall, balcony or roof enclosure that fronts a road.
- Not on wooden walls, balconies, fences or other enclosures, or on timber-clad parts of the house.
- Stand-alone kits have height limits (1 m, 2 m or 4 m depending on position) and a 9 m² panel area limit.
DESNZ notes that permanently fixing panels to a building counts as development, which is allowed without an application only if it meets these rights (impact assessment, para 13). Planning is devolved: we found no equivalent change for Scotland or Wales. If you’re outside the limits or unsure, ask your council.